As the successor of the Oak family, Gary possesses resources that most trainers can only envy.
The Dream Forest on Ash's Fantasy Island contains an astonishing abundance of life energy—knowledge that came directly from Professor Oak.
Because of this, Gary chose to help Eevee evolve into Umbreon within the Dream Forest. But even for him, this plan carried a gamble.
The environment was so rich and balanced that Eevee could also shift toward Leafeon, Espeon, Sylveon, or Umbreon—a one-in-four chance each, and not favorable for someone aiming for a specific evolution.
To prevent Eevee from accidentally becoming a Espeon, Gary kept Eevee inside its Poké Ball during the day and only released it at night to battle the Forest's Pokémon. Even so, Espeon's evolution rate could only be reduced—not eliminated.
Leafeon and Sylveon were also real possibilities. In the end, the chances hovered at roughly one-third each.
Perhaps sensing Gary's dedication, Eevee eventually evolved smoothly into Umbreon, leaving Gary ecstatic.
Due to the Dream Forest's unique energy, Umbreon absorbed an unusually large amount of life-essence during evolution. Its recovery speed and vitality far surpassed ordinary Umbreon, and its overall build was noticeably stronger. Gary was delighted—and even Professor Oak praised it as a near-perfect evolutionary result.
"I lost this match. Here's the wager. Next time, I won't go down so easily."
After recalling his Alakazam into its Poké Ball, the defeated trainer approached Gary, handed over a few folded notes, and left with a frustrated grunt.
"It's the same for me—don't expect to beat me easily next time." Gary flicked aside his coffee-brown hair with casual confidence.
"Hah, I didn't expect this, Gary. After the Kanto League, you've already reached the peak Elite level. Looks like that early defeat ended up giving you a ton of experience."
Just as the opposing trainer left, Gary was preparing to move on when Ash's voice suddenly rang out from behind.
"Ash? Long time no see!"
Seeing him, Gary grinned and bumped fists with him—an unspoken bond between brothers.
"I'm here to challenge the Johto League," Ash said, glancing at the Umbreon by Gary's feet. "I remember Grandpa saying you disappeared right after the Kanto League. Didn't expect to meet you out here."
"Yeah. That defeat… even if I acted fine, I couldn't let it go. I went traveling to clear my head, and eventually I recalled your recently published Eevee Evolution Theory. That's when I decided it was finally time for my Eevee to evolve."
"So I went to Fantasy Island, and things went perfectly. My Umbreon's strength is already top-tier among its species."
Gary spoke proudly. His Blastoise had already reached peak Elite and was only one step away from breaking into Quasi-Champion. Because of that, he had vowed not to return home until achieving that breakthrough.
"Right, and this is…?" Gary asked as he looked at the young man beside Ash.
He recognized Sabrina, one of Ash's fiancées, but the silver-haired guardian standing beside her was unfamiliar.
"Oh—this is Emiya Shirō. He's my apprentice. He's traveling with me, and I'm teaching him some personal combat and self-improvement techniques."
"In a few days, I plan to send him to Kanto to challenge the Kanto League. He'll also be managing my Kanto Fantasy Island branch in the future."
Ash's introduction made Gary raise an eyebrow with interest.
In this world, regions rarely rejected trainers from elsewhere. Accepting outsiders reflected the strength and openness of a region, and showed that its culture had gained recognition.
As a result, the public held no resentment toward trainers changing regional registration. It was common—almost daily—and no one gave it much thought.
Just like the early days of Kanto, when it was known as the weakest region. Many Kanto citizens left for stronger territories. But with the rise of Ash, Kanto had become one of the strongest regions in the world.
Though it had always possessed potential, few had ever truly believed in its strength—until now.
"Your apprentice, huh…" Gary folded his arms, studying the young man beside Ash. "You're already a Champion-level trainer yourself, Ash, but this guy—he's really something. His level is the same as mine."
Gary and Ash were the same age, yet Gary had only recently reached the peak Elite tier.
Learning that Emiya Shirō stood at the same level placed a heavy pressure on Gary's shoulders. Losing to Ash was acceptable—expected even.
But losing to Ash's apprentice?
That would be a serious blow to his pride.
"Mr. Gary, hello. I'm the master's first apprentice—Emiya Shirō."
Shirō greeted him with a warm smile.
Ever since he began training under Ash, Shirō had lived in a state he could only describe as joyful suffering.
Although his trainer rank itself had not advanced yet, he could clearly sense the explosive growth of his Pokémon.
His Hitmonlee and Machamp improved at a pace that defied logic. Even Shirō himself struggled to believe it.
He had witnessed Ash's strength firsthand.
In just over a week under Ash's direct instruction, Machamp and Hitmonlee had ascended to a level he never imagined possible. Hitmonlee's newly-developed personalized techniques grew more refined by the day—each stronger than the last—even if he still couldn't fully unleash them yet.
Machamp's mastery of Shave—a high-speed movement technique adapted from Ash's training—was also beginning to show results. Though his heavier body made progress slower than Hitmonlee, the growth was undeniable.
These steady, substantial improvements lifted Shirō's spirits.
For the first time in years, the hatred that once weighed down his heart felt lighter—no longer chaining him as before.
(End of Chapter)
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